A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the 2026 Iran War while visiting Vietnam. Conflict erupted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran via wide-ranging missile strikes to kill Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei on February 28.
Conflict escalated, Iran pushing back by launching missile strikes on Israel and in the Gulf. Human Rights Activists in Iran report that at least 3,530 people have been killed in Iran so far, including 1,606 civilians. The United States has targeted nuclear, oil, and gas sites as well as a girls’ school in southern Iran.
US-Israeli strikes have purposely targeted schools, residential homes, commercial buildings, medical centers, and humanitarian buildings. Further, UNESCO has stated concern regarding ongoing war damage to World Heritage sites such as Golestan Palace, Azadi Sport Complex, Falak-ol-Aflak, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Chehel Sotoun, Ali Qapu, the Shah Mosque, Jameh Mosque, and Teymouri Hall.
It is believed that the US and Israeli regimes chose to attack Iran now since it has been weakened from the Israel-Hamas War and the 12-Day War. While Trump claims Operation Epic Fury is to resolve tensions in the Middle East, the American public strongly views the conflict unfavorably, and similar to previous US involvement to promote corporate interests.
Trump previously stated he wanted to personally choose Iran’s next Supreme Leader after the assassination of Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Unfortunately for Trump, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Ali’s second son, has assumed the position as Iran’s third Supreme Leader. Majtaba holds aggressive anti-Western stances and has prioritized Iranian retaliation for US-Israeli aggression and the murder of his father.
Leading up to Easter, Trump made numerous threats and set a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – which accounts for 20% of the world’s oil shipping.
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.
– @realDonaldTrump, April 05, 2026 8:03 AM
A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!
– @realDonaldTrump, April 07, 2026 8:06 AM
On April 7, Trump announced that a two-week ceasefire agreement had been made between the United States and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has corroborated these claims.
Trump stated the strike suspension is contingent on Iran allowing for the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait. Iran has agreed to a ceasefire under the condition that “attacks against Iran are halted.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported Trump’s ceasefire, but elaborated that a “ceasefire does not include Lebanon.”
A nation that once styled itself as a force for stability around the globe is now shaking the foundations of the international order. A president who has seemingly relished shattering norms and traditions in domestic politics is now doing the same on the world stage.
Both the United States and Iran have claimed “total and complete victory.” Trump asserts an American-based victory due to the reopening of the Strait, which Iran had targeted and closed amid US aggression since February. Iran argues they are victorious due to the US agreeing to its 10-point plan and halting current attacks.
After the initial announcement, stock prices finally plummeted 15%, and oil fell below $95 per barrel after hitting its previous high. However, political analysts have been wary of the proposed ceasefire and warn that the conflict is likely not over due to Trump’s volatile personality.
Can a President Declare War? Understanding US War Powers
Officially, the President of the United States cannot formally declare war and cannot initiate war without explicit congressional approval. That authority is under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which states the authority to declare war is explicitly vested in Congress.
However, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief, granting him use of the United States military “to respond to direct threats or emergencies.” That has a loose interpretation, and most presidents have used it to incite war without Congressional approval.
Congress has only officially declared war 11 times throughout all of US history:
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War [1846]
- Spanish-American War [1898]
- World War 1, against Germany [1917]
- World War 1, against Austria-Hungary [1917]
- World War 2, against Japan [1941]
- World War 2, against Germany [1941]
- World War 2, against Italy [1941]
- World War 2, against Bulgaria [1942]
- World War 2, against Hungary [1942]
- World War 2, against Romania [1942]
While the last time the United States officially declared war was in 1942, Congress has frequently “authorized” (AUMF) military actions to collaborate with the Commander-in-Chief. Authorization has been required since the passage of the War Powers Act of 1973, mandating that all deployed troops be withdrawn within 60 to 90 days unless approved by Congress.
In plain terms, the President cannot deploy troops for more than 90 days without Congressional approval. Military actions that do not require troop deployment, such as missile strikes, do not fall under this restriction.
It’s not exactly clear when Trump began troop deployment in Iran, although troops have certainly been deployed and are subject to the War Powers Act. Robert Marzan, Nicole Amor, Noah Tietjens, Declan Coady, Jeffrey O’Brien, and Cody Khork were killed on March 1, 2026, at the Port of Shuaiba, following a massive military build-up of air, naval, and missile defense assets in the Middle East in late January. Thus, the clock is ticking – troops won’t be withdrawn, and deployment will still be considered active regardless of the ceasefire.
Genocide Rhetoric and International Law Violations
The United Nations has already begun characterizing US attacks on Iran as war crimes under the Rome Statute. Trump’s Easter-weekend tirade took many by surprise due to how openly genocidal his comments were. Regardless of partisan divide, the public views mass killings of civilians unfavorably.
Many Congressional representatives have vocalized dissent, such as Sarah McBride. McBride made a statement that Trump’s remarks were “horrifying, illegal, and genocidal,” continuing that “a president cannot be allowed to threaten genocide with the United States military.”
Old-school politicians usually gripe that Trump uses far too much dirty language – prior to 2016, constant name-calling wasn’t the norm for presidential candidates. But everyone has been taken aback at how brutal Trump’s remarks have been. “A whole civilization” implies the suffering and murder of innocent civilians – which is what turned the American public against the government during the Vietnam War once Americans became aware of ongoing campaigns.
Trump isn’t just threatening trained military personnel, he is threatening innocent men, women, and children.
The 25th Amendment: Could Trump Be Removed?
The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967 to allow a forcible transfer of power if the vice president and majority of the Cabinet declare the sitting president unfit. It was created due to concerns that future presidents would be unwilling or unable to step down due to health issues, a rising concern that comes with elderly politicians.
The 25th Amendment has never been used to remove a president against their will, although its language clearly allows it. More importantly, the 25th Amendment requires approval from Vice President JD Vance and Trump’s personally selected Congressional Cabinet – who are far too loyal to use the 25th Amendment. Trump chose Vance over Pence, amongst many in his cabinet, based on personal loyalty.
Donald Trump has lost his mind and his threats to wipe out the Iranian people should be taken seriously. He’s out of control and his cabinet and those around him must be loyal to the constitution and invoke the 25 amendment. He must be removed.
It’s unlikely (i.e. nearly impossible) that the 25th Amendment will be enacted. It is likely that Trump will face another impeachment, which he has already declared will happen if Democrats overturn the upcoming midterms.
Republican leadership is currently silent and refuses to give any worthwhile remarks regarding Trump’s comments. The White House has dismissed humanitarian concerns as purely partisan and Trump’s rhetoric is necessary as part of his negotiating strategy.
Still, Republicans barely hold a majority in Congress. The GOP has struggled to remain unified even under Trump, as evidenced by their difficulties establishing a Speaker of the House. Just a few dissenting Republicans are all that is currently needed to throw things into disarray, which is why Congress is struggling to pass budgets despite a GOP majority.
Republican politicians refuse to hold accountability. Even in my congressional district, my representative has made numerous statements that the sole reason DHS and other programs are not being funded is because of Democrats – but his comment section is always ratioed with people frustrated that he won’t address the elephant in the room: he’s a Republican, and Republicans control both the Senate and House. He and his party hold the power but want to point fingers.
Of course, it’s also (frustratingly) hypocritical. Politicians rant that they can’t get anything done because the other side is blocking them. It’s not new and I’ve seen both Democrats and Republicans do this my entire life – it’s part of US politics.
Are Trump’s remarks illegal? Maybe, but it’s unlikely anything will come out of it for now. Previously, George W. Bush faced a serious lawsuit over the use of military personnel to invade Iraq in 2003, but the US Court of Appeals dismissed the case under the basis that there was not enough evidence that it was purposely genocidal on Bush’s part. That can’t be said here, especially since Trump openly published very clearly genocidal language on his official social media.
What Does a Ceasefire Actually Mean?
Ceasefires are agreements between multiple opposing sides to suspend aggressive actions. They’re meant to be binding, but they’re still only temporary.
According to the United Nations, ceasefires traditionally apply to an entire geographical area within a conflict – despite what Israel says about Lebanon. In fact, Pakistan has explicitly said Lebanon IS part of the ceasefire.
Pakistan invited Iran and the United States for a mediation delegation. Trump states reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the key condition for the United States; Iran has stated their key requirement is an end of hostilities by the United States.
Both the United States and Iran have claimed victory, but how? In reality, they’re both “tied” – Iran responded to aggression and it makes sense that their sense of “winning” is tied to an end of current aggression. However, Trump’s requirement and the Strait being reopened… doesn’t make sense. Prior to the February US-Israeli strikes, the Strait was open and functioning as intended; Iran responded by occupying and restricting the Strait.
It’s a pretty defunct “victory” requirement. The only thing Trump has accomplished was killing Ali Hosseini Khamenei, but the new Supreme Leader is even more opposed to the United States.
What Do Americans Actually Think About the Iran War?
CNN previously released a poll in early March to visualize Americans’ approval of the Iran War. Just 32% of Americans approved of US missile strikes on Iran compared to 59% that vocalized disapproval. Reuters and Ipsos recently released a new poll illustrating current views.
56% of Americans believe US military involvement in Iran will negatively impact their own financial security. 86% stated they are worried that the risk to American military personnel will worsen. Just 21% of Americans believe Trump’s military action will improve Iranian quality of life or stability in the Middle East.
Reuters/Ipsos concluded that Americans currently have bleak views on the Iran War. The poll was conducted at the end of March and released prior to the current ceasefire, but it is important to note it is uncertain whether the ceasefire will hold.
Similarly, Donald Trump’s polls continue to plummet. As of April 4, Trump holds a 57% disapproval rate and 39% approval rate. Trump has held a negative net approval rating since March 10, 2025, right before he announced his massive tariff plan.
Taking Action: What You Can Do Right Now
Everyone can do something. Not everyone needs to be a full-time activist to promote large-scale change. Here are some small actions to take.
Stay Informed and Think Critically About Media
All media outlets have political bias. Even if they’re not pro-Democrat or pro-Republican, mainstream media is still often warped by corporate sponsors.
Don’t simply trust CNN, Fox News, or the White House to give complete stories. This online tool allows you to compare major media outlets for bias and reliability, but consider less objective sources based on the real lives of Iranian people right now. Never spread misinformation, but remember the value in real stories.
Normalize Your Language to Build Consensus
Most Americans want similar things if they’re able to get past triggering partisan language. If you simplify it, nearly all Americans are frustrated with the private healthcare system and want something better – even if they’re scared of “socialist” ideas like universal healthcare.
We don’t exist in a bubble. America is full of leftists, liberals, conservatives, centrists, and apathetics. Use language that doesn’t alienate people and makes them equally frustrated.
Call Your Representatives (It Matters)
You’re entitled to be heard by your elected representative. They work for you – even if you voted against them.
Emails, written letters, and petitions get thrown in the trash unread. A minority of officials read these, but written notes are disregarded unless they’re presented in a remarkable way.
Representatives HAVE to listen to phone calls. Officials assign lower staff to listen to callers and create reports on top issues. When issues receive enough attention, representatives are pushed to take a stance based on their callers’ views – even if it contradicts their party platform.
Republican activists excel here. On an average day, right-wingers call their elected officials four times more than other demographics. When specific issues come up, like LGBTQIA+ rights or abortion access, Republicans call 11:1.
Phone numbers to all elected officials in Congress must be publicly available. If you don’t know who represents you in Congress, use usa.gov/elected-officials to be directed based on your current address.
From there, insert your officials’ information into house.gov and senate.gov to get contact information. You will likely be directed to their personal website, which you’ll need to navigate to find their PHONE NUMBER. Most contact forms will force you to email them – look for something like “offices.”When calling, have a script. It’s easy to stumble or get overwhelmed, especially over issues that you’re passionate about. This is a practice script I previously wrote over DOGE, but it’s not hard to write one. Keep it simple.
Support Humanitarian Organizations
Not everyone can attend protests. That’s life. But you can still do something. Financial support goes a long way.
As mentioned previously, the United States is purposely targeting civilian institutions crucial to their communities, like hospitals and schools. These are a few organizations that support regular civilians in Iran, regardless of partisan lines.
- Anera
- Doctors Without Borders
- Impact Iran
- International Committee of the Red Cross
- Project HOPE
- Relief International
- World Food Programme
A War the American Public Doesn’t Want
While conflict is currently on hold due to ceasefire, Trump’s volatile personality makes peace difficult to imagine. The American public does not war war with Iran. This conflict is for private wealth and corporations, not world peace or humanity’s benefit.